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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: February 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: March 1, 2007How good is the hotel business and how good can it get?We are enjoying great times in the hospitality industry and the prospects are excellent that the good times will continue for at least several more years. But how good is it, and how good can it get? Let’s take a look! More... [934 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 28, 2007Research - Travel and the InternetOne of the greatest impacts the Internet has had on consumer behavior is the planning and purchase of travel. rush of travel consumers to the Internet has led to an online travel marketplace estimated at $68 billion - and that is in the US only. More... [1033 views] London hotel market reflects capital’s top status
January’s preliminary hotel figures for the UK show the market continues to thrive. The figures for London are particularly impressive suggesting the capital is a building a pre-eminence over other major global cities, according to figures released today by PKF hotel consultancy services. The UK regions also performed strongly. More... [693 views] Identity theft at hotelsFew other means of cyber crime get as much attention as identity theft. Yesterday's Wall Street Journal notes how, contrary to general impression, the identity thieves of today use the stolen information to rack up small charges that makes prosecutors unwilling to spend as much effort as when a large amount is stolen. The article notes the various ways in which thieves steal data ranging from phishing scams to low-tech thefts to stealing post-office boxes (sic) to hotels More... [1067 views] Westin Hotels launches nightly social events in lobbies worldwideWestin Hotels & Resorts today debuts a new signature social experience, Unwind… A Westin Evening RitualSM , featuring the tastes, sights and sounds of each destination. More... [1314 views] Rocco Forte Hotels Celebrates Ten Years of SuccessLuxury hotel collection Rocco Forte Hotels is celebrating its ten year anniversary this week. March 1 marks a decade since Rocco Forte Hotels took control of The Balmoral in Edinburgh. Ten years on, the luxury collection consists of ten hotels in ten key cities across Europe, with two new hotels due to open this summer, Rocco Forte’s The Charles Hotel in Munich, named after Sir Rocco‘s father Lord Charles Forte and Rocco Forte’s Le Richemond in Geneva. More... [771 views] The Bowery Hotel in New York Selects TravelCLICK For Robust Central Reservations SolutionTravelCLICK, Inc., a leading provider of hotel business process management solutions, announced that The Bowery Hotel, the newest addition to the prestigious Born-Drukier hotel portfolio, has selected the iHotelier central reservation system (CRS) for website reservations and connectivity to the Global Distribution Systems (GDS). More... [637 views] Starwood Hotels and Morgan Stanley Real Estate announce joint venture agreement to acquire Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay HotelStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® and a fund managed by Morgan Stanley Real Estate have entered into a definitive joint venture agreement to acquire the Sheraton® Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel from Taisei Corporation Group, with a closing of the acquisition expected before the end of March 2007. More... [871 views] Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Expands Select Service Division in NortheastJones Lang LaSalle Hotels announced today the expansion of its select service division with the promotion of Mark H. von Dwingelo to regional senior vice president - Northeast. Mr. von Dwingelo will relocate to New York where he will be responsible for overseeing the select service division’s Northeast practice focusing on hotel capital advisory services and the disposition of hotel assets. More... [548 views] And the Award goes to…responsible environmental performanceThe Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and its environmental subsidiary, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), are pleased to announce the opening of the nomination process for the new 2007 American Express Caribbean Environmental Award. This award recognizes the commitment made to sustainable tourism by Caribbean hotels each year and social performances as demonstrated by their policies, plans and records of activities. The deadline for submission of nominations is March 20th, 2007. More... [594 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 27, 2007What come first : The guests or the owners ? Return on Investment ( ROI ) or Return on Ego ( ROE )
Several weeks have gone by and now Evil Erik is already plotting, and telling some of the staff, to get rid of Atrocious Angela as he wants to be GM himself …… And all the while Angela is busy preparing to visit the ITB as the perfect solution for all marketing challenges encountered by focusing on the needs of the owners instead of the needs of the guests. The scenario of this occurrence is well known to many hospitality professionals ... By Bert van Waldbeek More... [2180 views] Original Sin of Revenue Management- A Pricing Strategy that Misses the MarkWhat does sin have to do with Revenue Management? First, let’s look at a definition of sin. Sin is defined as “a transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate” or “to commit an offense or violation”. Next, let’s look at the origin of the word sin. The Greek word hamartia means "to miss the mark" or "to miss the target". More... [1674 views] Cornell Quarterly Article Says: Make Sure Your Service Fulfills Your Restaurant's PromiseIt goes without saying that restaurants must serve good food, but food alone is not enough to satisfy your customers. Restaurant owners must also pay attention to design and to servers' behavior. More... [959 views] PricewaterhouseCoopers Reports that, Across Distribution Channels, the Internet Reflected the Largest Increases in Average Daily Rates for U.S. Hotels in 2006Based on PricewaterhouseCoopers, Smith Travel Research, TravelClick, and PhoCusWright research and data, PricewaterhouseCoopers finds that average hotel room rates booked online increased 8.7 percent compared with a 6.8 percent estimated overall hotel room rate increase for US hotels in 2006. More... [688 views] New InterContinental Kiev to Open in Ukrainian Capital in 2008IHG will manage the InterContinental Kiev on behalf of the local owner Yaroslaviv Val, one of the country's leading real estate developers. The new-build luxury hotel will open in the first quarter of 2008 More... [691 views] Opening of The Diplomat Radisson SAS Residence in BahraiThe Rezidor Hotel Group has launched Bahrain’s first five star corporate residence. The Diplomat Radisson SAS Residence is located in the heart of Bahrain’s capital, Manama City, adjacent to the existing 246-room Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel More... [566 views] Regional Hotel Investment Confab attracts international a-listThe international hospitality investment community will congregate at the 2007 Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) to weigh in on what is – and what will be – in the region’s industry. The 11th annual CHTIC, to be held from May 8 to 10, 2007, at the World Trade Center in Curaçao, will assemble a corps of hotel executives, investors, lenders, developers, and professional advisors for a two-day program that will emphasize the conduct of business. More... [483 views] LaSalle Hotel Properties Reports 2006 ResultsLaSalle Hotel Properties reported net income to common shareholders of $73.5 million, or $1.85 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to net income of $20.8 million, or $0.67 per diluted share for the prior year. Net income for 2006 includes the $38.4 million net gain on the sale of the Chicago Marriott Downtown. More... [517 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 26, 2007Creating a Strong Internal Brand: You Can Take it to the BankIt seems everyone is seeking ways to make the customer experience more personal, intimate and emotional. When even B2B marketers are trying to create “love” for their widgets, you know you are truly in the throes of the “Experience Economy.” If you’re a brand-builder looking to forge similar bonds with your customers in 2007, do yourself a favor - make a quick study of the companies and brands you personally like and dislike…and think about the “secret sauce” that makes them hum. By Robert Rush More... [1063 views] Skype Roadmap 2007500 million downloads and counting… what’s ahead for the best-known VoIP service on the planet? Skype is the best-known VoIP service and, as Skype’s General Manager and Vice President of Telecom, Stefan Öberg plays a big part in setting the company’s direction and determining its product mix. He’s been responsible for overseeing Skype products for Windows, Mac and Linux, as well as managing the company’s myriad relationships with hardware-device manufacturers. VoIP News caught up with him More... [1027 views] Lake Geneva's National Hotel: A ruin with a viewFor Tolstoy, the National Hotel was a home from home on Lake Geneva. Now this crumbling building is being turned into luxury flats. It's hard to believe that a beautiful, historic building in a famous resort in the Swiss Riviera could have been left to rot for more than two decades before a developer spotted its potential. But that's what happened to the National Hotel, in the pretty town of Montreux on Lake Geneva. "Imagine Harrods closing and being left derelict for 25 years," says Sean Collins of Pure International, the development company that has saved the 130-year-old building by taking it on as a luxury residential conversion. More... [767 views] Wilbur Acquisition to buy Winston HotelsWinston Hotels Inc., a real estate investment trust focused on hotels, on Wednesday said it agreed to be acquired by Wilbur Acquisition Holding Co. LLC for $14.10 per share. Winston, which owns 44 hotels and has investments in nine others, said the deal is expected to close in the second quarter. More... [570 views] Industry Executives Debate Rising Costs of Business Travel at SummitBusiness travel costs are expected to reach new highs in 2007, as The American Express Business Travel Forecast indicates a three to six percent increase in U.S. economy airfares, and Smith Travel Research estimates the average hotel room rate will surge to $103 in 2007 — up more than 11 percent since 2005. To address the issues impacting business travel costs, industry leaders from Southwest Airlines, Best Western International and the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) gathered in New York City earlier this week to discuss how businesses and business travelers can more efficiently cope with rising costs. More... [535 views] Vietnam to build more hotels to meet growing demandVietnam plans to have 170,000 new hotel rooms by 2010 to meet the demands of growing numbers of foreign and domestic tourists. The new hotels would help in catering to six million foreign visitors and 21 million domestic visitors travelling across the nation during the next three years, said deputy head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Hoang Tuan Anh. More... [892 views] National Geographic Announces Affordable Global Cell Phone Coverage SolutionNational Geographic today announces the launch of the National Geographic Talk Abroad Travel Phone, designed specifically for the needs of the traveling public, allowing for affordable calls from over 100 countries, with no contracts to sign and free incoming calls in most international markets. More... [990 views] Fairmont Raffles Hotels International appoints Anne McCall Wilson as Vice President, SpasFairmont Raffles Hotels International is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne McCall Wilson as Vice President, Spas, effective immediately. In her new capacity, Anne will be responsible for all Willow Stream, Amrita, unbranded and new spas across all four brands – Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel and Delta. More... [1375 views] design hotels launches advance purchase programAs part of design hotels(tm) continuing efforts to bring forth innovative products and present a clear rate structure to consumers, the Advance Purchase program offers travellers significantly reduced rates at participating hotels. The rate is particularly relevant -- and an incentive -- for price conscious leisure travellers who have the flexibility to book early. More... [751 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 23, 2007Orient-Express loses president/CESimon Sherwood is to stand down as president and chief executive of Orient-Express Hotels in August 2007. In a statement the company said he was leaving to pursue other interests. More... [1066 views] Travel Web sites clamp down on bogus reviewsTravel Web sites, such as Priceline.com Inc. and Expedia Inc., are clamping down on fake online consumer reviews of hotels, which could undermine a growth area. Trustworthy sources of information are sometimes difficult to find on the Internet, and user reviews have become a way for many sites to offer apparently unbiased opinions -- at a low cost to the Web companies. More... [892 views] Female Hotel And Resort Ownership On Rise In Luxury Hospitality MarketAfter many years of male domination, the luxury hospitality market is now experiencing a new trend - luxury hotels, resorts and villas owned and designed by women. From Shambala Estate in Bali, the high-end Lindian Village in Rhodes, Greece and Casa Colonial in the Dominican Republic to the ultra chic Cerulean-Villa on St. Barnes Bay, Anguilla women are now leading the charge in ownership and design of unique luxury hotels and resorts.This new breed of hoteliers is inspired by a booming luxury travel market, as well as personal experiences as hotel guests traveling for corporate and leisure. More... [1204 views] Hilton Hotels Corporation Creates Two New Posts in Support of Global Brand Management and Operations IntegrationHilton Hotels Corporation has announced the creation of two new executive management positions and the promotions of two distinguished executives to fill these roles. Kenneth Smith has been appointed executive vice president - Americas Operations, Sales & Revenue Management, and Ernest Wooden has been appointed executive vice president - Brand Management. More... [739 views] Whether to Ask the Hotel or Hit the WebWith more hotels guaranteeing equal or better prices to travelers who book with them directly, online travel agency Web sites like Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity aren’t always the bargain bins they once were for hotel rates. In response, the agency sites are forced to concentrate on other ways to keep and attract customers. More... [905 views] Communist-era designs a thing of the past as China gets used to 'Western hotel standards'The hotel boom in China is creating unprecedented opportunities for designers in the Asia-Pacific region. The hotels being built may not be in the running for any architectural awards just yet, with China getting used to Western hotel standards after decades of Communist-era designs. But top hotel groups are taking China very seriously indeed. Of the 32 hotels that luxury chain Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has under development across the globe at present, 13 of them are in China. More... [699 views] The Westin brand rejuvenates one of the world's ancient civilization capitals: Xian, ChinaStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc (NYSE: HOT) and Xian Yungao International Hotel Company Limited announced an agreement for Starwood to manage a 296-room Westin in Xian, one of the four major ancient civilizations in the world, along with Athens, Cairo and Rome. The Westin Xian is expected to open in 2010. More... [797 views] Grand Lisboa Macau Opens for BusinessDr Stanley Ho, Managing Director of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau recently hosted the official opening ceremony for the Grand Lisboa, SJM’s new flagship leisure and entertainment attraction. The spacious, contemporary Chinese style Grand Lisboa Casino – located adjacent to SJM’s Casino Lisboa, with its 35 year heritage in Macau - is set to become a new top attraction for Macau visitors and residents alike with its bold, elegant architectural design and rich array of entertainment facilities. More... [855 views] IHG takes $2bn-worth of web bookings in 2006InterContinental Hotels’ full-year results show that the internet delivered $2bn-worth of rooms revenue during the year, 86% of which was through its own web sites. The proportion of total room revenue from the internet was 16% in 2006, compared with 14% last time. More... [770 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 22, 2007Chic Boutique HotelsBack in the '90s, guests knew what to expect when checking into a "boutique" hotel: cutting-edge design, gorgeous staff, fewer rooms than the big chains, and the city's hottest bars and restaurants no farther than the lobby. Today, with the travel industry slapping the "boutique" label on mid-market franchises and 200-room boxes, it seems to have become little more than a marketing gimmick. Companies such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Canada's Germain Group are taking style to the masses with the launch of their new cheap-chic chains, Aloft Hotels and Alt Hotels, respectively, but that doesn't do much good for the boutique hotel's exclusive image. By Elisabeth Eaves More... [1484 views] Effective Long-Term Incentive Plan Design within the Chain Restaurant IndustryWhen it comes to the design of executive level long-term incentive plans within the chain restaurant industry I have found that many companies are losing out on a great opportunity to align rewards with company objectives. In this article I will address common flaws and provide solutions for your organization to consider. The foundation to a successful long-term incentive plan is to constantly review the objectives of the organization. A diligent and consistent analysis of key tenants such as the company mission and vision statement, core values, culture and ever changing business environments will enable you to be in an ideal position when implementing or revising the long-term incentive program. By David Mansbach More... [1078 views] Boom time in the Japan Hotel spa industryAs Japanese consumer interest in health continues to rise and the en mass retirement of the baby boomers from 2007, hotels have been building spas to make their facilities more attractive for both the internal and external tourist market. By Suzanne Ng More... [1510 views] Baglioni Hotels launches new brandBaglioni Hotels Group will celebrate the opening of the new Brunello Lounge & Restaurant in Rome. The Brunello Lounge & Restaurant is to be found on the Via Veneto, next to the Regina Hotel Baglioni, in the heart of the street that was an icon of Rome’s Dolce Vita. More... [665 views] Two Additional Mövenpick Deluxe Cruisers for EgyptMövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement to strengthen the partnership with Nile Exploration Corporation: with effect from November 2007 the Nile fleet, which already encompasses three luxury cruisers, will be augmented by the new Mövenpick M/S Royal Lily. Following the takeover of a further vessel called Mövenpick M/S Prince Abbas the company’s presence will also be extended to Lake Nasser. More... [595 views] Interstate Hotels & Resorts Appoints Three Vice Presidents to Head Up Moscow OperationsInterstate Hotels & Resorts, one of the nation’s largest independent hotel management companies, announced that the company has further strengthened its international presence with the opening of a branch office in Moscow, Russia, and the appointment of three senior executives to be based there. The announcement comes on the heels of news that the company recently signed its fifth hotel management contract in Moscow. More... [1103 views] Rezidor to open second Radisson hotel in HamburgNew airport property to have direct connection to Terminal 2. The Rezidor Hotel Group will open a new Radisson hotel at Hamburg Airport in July 2009. The 270-room property will have direct connection to Terminal 2 serving Lufthansa and other Star Alliance flights. More... [543 views] Hotel Association of India demands infrastructure status for industryHotel Association of India, in its pre-budget memorandum, recommended that the hotel industry should be granted full infrastructure status under Section 80 I/A. It said that to accelerate the pace of construction of hotel rooms, it is essential to grant full infrastructure status to hotels. Hotels should be bought on par with other infrastructure projects like Airports, Highways and Power Projects. More... [758 views] Tune Hotels.Com showcases Asia’s 1st “no frills” hotel room concept…Now Everyone Can Sleep 5 Star!Tune Hotels.Com organized a media launch of its “no-frills” room in which guests will enjoy a deluxe 5 star bed by King Koil, 250-thread count white duvets, and an en-suite “Power Shower” all in stylish, space-efficient room. The media launch included a slide presentation on the company’s rollout plans across Asia, strategic partners and construction progress of Tune’s flagship hotel property which is located at 316, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. More... [1301 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 21, 2007Shattering M&C mythsSome still greet a senior appointment at Millennium & Copthorne (M&C) Hotels with the question: “How long will he last?” TTG Asia editor, Raini Hamdi, asks new COO Michael Sengol, based at M&C Hotels’ headquarters in London, if that is a fair remark. More... [1205 views] InterContinental Hotels FY06 Profit Plunges; Reveals GBP 850 Mln Return Of Funds; Proposes Higher DividendUK-based hotel operator InterContinental Hotels Group reported that its fiscal year 2006 profit plunged 21.4% from the previous year, hurt by a 50% fall in top line, as prior year results were boosted by higher results from discontinued operations. However, per share earnings increased 9% on the back of a 25% drop in number of shares. Excluding discontinued operations, fiscal year 2006 profit from continuing operations more than doubled from last year, while revenues rose 13%. Further, InterContinental announced a GBP 850 million return of funds, and said its Board of Directors has proposed a final dividend, up 24% from last year. More... [753 views] Wyndham Hotel Group’s Joe Kane to Retire, be Succeeded by Ken GreeneJoseph R. Kane Jr., CHA , a 42-year lodging veteran who served Wyndham Hotel Group as a group president for the last two years and president of Days Inns Worldwide for 11 years, has announced that he will retire from those positions at the end of the month and continue his service to the company in a part-time role on specific projects. More... [746 views] No Butts About It: tough Times AheadUK hospitality and leisure businesses that do not plan for the new smoking ban legislation risk longer periods of hardship and potential closures than those that do plan, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. The scale of the impact will vary for different types of businesses but for the companies most affected, such as bingo halls, a revenue decline of up to 15 percent is possible with many taking more than three years to recover to pre-ban revenue levels. More... [559 views] The stage is set…An opportunity of a lifetime awaits those that dare to dream big dreams.Today, market and demographic shifts are setting the stage for excellent career opportunities for skilled talent, which in turn is creating employee-centric companies. Why? The impending Talent shortage is a growing, global concern that affects the future of all industries, including the hospitality industry. More... [1090 views] Mark Walsh takes over Arabian Travel MarketBriton Mark Walsh, Reed Travel Exhibitions’ (RTE) Group Exhibition Director, has taken over direction of the Arabian Travel Market – the premier Pan Arab travel and tourism show which will mark its 14th annual edition in Dubai this May.Walsh, 44, takes over the ATM reins from Chris Chackal who has left RTE to pursue career opportunities elsewhere. More... [613 views] New Days Inn Logo Unveiled Symbolizing Brand’s ‘Renaissance’Featuring a friendly modern typeface and bright yellows contrasting with a deep blue, the first new Days Inn® logo in 37 years was unveiled to an audience of more than 1,800 Days Inn owners and managers attending their international conference here today. Days Inn President Joseph Kane Jr. told franchisees that the logo’s debut symbolizes the brand’s three-year renaissance that included the introduction of new standards, the signature DayBreak® Breakfast program, Sol Terre® bath amenities and bedding products and free high-speed Internet service. More... [763 views] S. Korea gears up for “sparkling” tourism push in 2007South Korea's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has decided to place top priority on nurturing the fast-evolving content business and redefining “hallyu”, or the Korean Wave in 2007. More... [575 views] Park Plaza County Hall London to open in September with key industry professionals at the helmPark Plaza Hotels Europe today announce that their fifth London hotel, Park Plaza County Hall, will open in September* 2007, with key executives already appointed to lead the management team. Acorn-award holder Greg Hegarty has been appointed General Manager and transfers from the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes hotel, where he achieved 23% sales growth year on year during his impressive 13 months there More... [717 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 20, 2007Study: Hotel Market Up-Cycles Typically Last 7 YearsThe average hotel market up-cycle lasts 6.7 years according to the results of a study conducted by Hotel Investment Strategies LLC, a lodging investment advisory firm based in New York. The Principal of the firm, Mr. Ross Woods, said that the study of 50 full-service hotel markets over the past twenty years revealed that the up-cycle has varied between 3 years in the case of Indianapolis and Honolulu to 11 years in the case of Dallas and Houston but averaged 6.7 years overall. About 70% of markets experienced an up-cycle of between 4.8 and 8.6 years. More... [999 views] Space hotel gets one step closer as private company develop 'space habitation module'When Robert Bigelow, founder and president of Bigelow Aerospace and owner of hotel chain Budget Suites of America, came up with the extreme idea a decade ago of building a hotel in space, he knew that his major challenge in gaining commercial viability was going to be cost. More... [828 views] Reuters Summit - Hotels, casinos eye overseas risk, rewardsU.S. hoteliers and casino operators have set their sights on expanding overseas, particularly in Asia, but opinions differ on which sectors present the least economic and political risk. Hilton Hotels Corp. is targeting India and China as it reaches further outside the United States, following the acquisition last year of its international namesake. "The international business is better than we thought. It's the single best opportunity I've seen in my 25 years in the business," Matthew Hart, Hilton's chief operating officer, said at the Reuters Hotels and Casinos 2007 Summit in Los Angeles. More... [601 views] How Ritz-Carlton Maintains its MystiqueThe luxury hotel chain reinforces customer-service values among employees by investing in daily training that revolves around storytelling More... [2005 views] Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai votes #1 Spa in the world in Condé Nast Traveller magazine (UK) Reader's Spa Awards 2007Condé Nast Traveller magazine (UK) released the results of its annual Readers’ Spa Awards in the March 2007 issue. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai was voted # 1 Best Spa in Asia and in the World. More... [1120 views] Chennai to have 3,000 more star hotel rooms by 2008-09Chennai's inventory of hotel rooms in the three to five-star category will increase by more than 3,000 by 2008-09 when some of the hotel projects under construction are commissioned. Currently, the city has about 5,000 quality rooms. In 2006, the city added about 650 rooms, including Fortune Select and Courtyard by Marriott, mainly business hotels. More... [818 views] Six Senses To Open 2 Evanson HideawaysSix Senses Resorts & Spas will see 2007 as its most significant year of development as it prepares to open two Evason Hideaways, plus launch its first destination spa as an extension of its acclaimed Six Senses Spas. More... [980 views] Hong Kong throws Mega World Party to Celebrate Year of the Golden PigHong Kong became a colourful multi-cultural party Sunday night, as the city ushered in the Year of the Pig with the 2007 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Taking place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, the event attracted tens of thousands of spectators, who lined the parade route. More... [620 views] Hong Kong's Lanson Place Hotel Scoops Two Titles in First Full Year of OperationsSmall is beautiful and small can be stylish. Not long after Lanson Place Hotel became a member of and Hong Kong’s first “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”, the new gem in Causeway Bay has scooped the title of Boutique Hotel of the Year in the SCMP/Harper’s Bazaar StyleAwards 2007, shortly after the hotel celebrated its first full year of operation. More... [704 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 19, 2007Hospitality Industry Top Ten Thoughts for 2007 - Identified by Ernst & YoungTop trends that will influence the global hotel industry in the year ahead include the stabilizing of the U.S. lodging market, increasing capital flows into the hospitality sector from a broad range of investors, including offshore funds, and superior performance among luxury hotel brands, according to a report released today by Ernst & Young LLP. More... [1777 views] What a Resort Experience Can Become When You Have a Daring Mission and Vision StatementThis article is about what a 5-star resort guest experience can become when the leaders dare to create a mission and vision statement, which breaks with board room tradition; which the rational mind says is impossible to achieve; and which the walking dead who are lacking in passion and dreams laugh at. By Peter McAlpine More... [1801 views] “Hotel Industry Snapshot” from ALISCaptured here for is my “Hotel Industry Snapshot” as of February 1, 2007 — a perspective on the issues and developments that seemed to be the most important around the ALIS Conference. They may portend future opportunities . . . or challenges to be overcome. You will probably hear a lot more about them in the near future. By Jim Butler, Hotel Lawyer More... [731 views] There's so much more than coffee in BrazilTraditionally, the country’s economy has relied on massive exports of commodities, including iron, sugar, meat – and coffee of course – and, more recently, commercial aircraft; but today, the focus is on tourism. More... [730 views] International SPA Association Pinpoints Spa Industry TrendsSpa is a household word. Spas in North America are a leading leisure industry, with nearly 14,000 facilities generating $9.7 billion in annual revenue. As the authoritative voice of the spa industry, the International SPA Association researches the overall industry and those who go to spas, as well as the trends that are becoming expectations for consumers. Through its vast network of research on the consumer and industry, ISPA pinpoints the following spa industry trends..... More... [1306 views] Hotel of the Year awarded to The Fairmont Olympic HotelRanked Number One Among Fairmont’s 50 Worldwide Hotels & Resorts. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced the Company Award Winners for 2006. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel was recognized for not one, but two prestigious awards, including the coveted 2006 Hotel of the Year. More... [1131 views] First Summit Hotels & Resorts Hotel in Malaysia - The Hotel Istana, Kuala LumpurThe Hotel Istana in Kuala Lumpur has joined the Preferred Hotel Group under the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection.The newly renovated Hotel Istana is strategically located within Kuala Lumpur’s main Golden Triangle business and commercial center. It is also within walking distance to the Bintang Walk shopping and entertainment hub, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. More... [882 views] Swiss hotel industry association says country's high prices harm tourismSwitzerland's high prices are damaging the country's tourism industry, the country's hotel industry association Hotelleriesuisse warned. More... [901 views] Survey reveals business travel growthBarclaycard reports environmental concerns, budget pressures and advances in communications appear to be having little effect on demand for business travel. According to the company’s 11th annual Business Travel Survey of 4,000 corporate travellers across the UK, 44% travelled more on business last year than in 2005, with a further 34% travelling the same amount. More... [814 views] Shenyang New World Hotel staff get international "Clefs d'Or" concierge accoladeShenyang New World Hotel staff Mr Ning Meng was presented a batch of “Clefs d’Or” concierge in the shape of a pair of crossed keys by the China Chapter of Union Internationale des Concierges d'Hotels yesterday in Shenyang, the first ever such recognition has been awarded to New World China Land’s hotel service. More... [1136 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 16, 2007Wanted: Privacy and spaceGive me more than a private pool villa. That’s what Michael Sagild, who is building the Anantara brand, believes future resort customers will say. He tells Yeoh Siew Hoon why. More... [1624 views] “En Garde!” In the midst of “boom”, beware the “bust”“Darling, peel me another grape, please.” These are heady times for Hospitality operators. We exult in the investments, the expansion, renovation, growth and profitability. Great times, and we should be very pleased and thankful. However, are we being short-sighted about the State of Hospitality? Many Operators are tired, beaten up, spent. Their energies are internally directed – staffing, budgets, complaints, legislation, etc. – whereas, the external focus on the Visitor and Guest Experience has become almost secondary. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [754 views] Hotel Tips for Business TripsHow to find a good business-class hotel, even if you're on a budget. More... [1220 views] India: Shortage of rooms to hit hospitality sector beyond 2011The hospitality sector in the country would still be plagued with shortage of rooms in spite of the hotel industry's plan to add 53,000 rooms during the next five years, according to a FICCI-Evalueserve study. New investment in the hotel industry would add 53,000 rooms by 2011, well short of the current estimated requirement of 1,50,000 rooms. Thus a shortage of 1,00,000 rooms would persist beyond 2011, finds the survey — Investments in Hotel Infrastructure in India. More... [1001 views] Cornell Study Says Tipping Makes Restaurants Seem Less ExpensiveWhy do restaurants rely on tips instead of a flat wage to compensate waiters and waitresses? Why not build the cost of service into menu prices? One explanation involves the way consumers determine how expensive a restaurant is. According to this idea, consumers will perceive restaurants with higher menu prices but no tipping to be more expensive than restaurants with lower menu prices and tipping. A new study from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research finds that this is exactly what happens. More... [859 views] At Best Western, it's 'tech out' timeFree fast Internet, flat TVs help chain shed predictability. Best Western is one of America's most recognizable hotel brands, but that's not good enough anymore. Fresh off its 60th birthday, the Phoenix-based chain is forging ahead with a plan to bring the brand up to date in a world where travelers have more choices than ever. The goal is to change people's perception that Best Western is a modest, roadside motel, good for a little shut-eye but not much more. More... [744 views] 1st International Forum on Sustainable Tourism "BIT" Milan 24th February 2007"In line with the Presidential theme of “Sustainable Development” in Tourism, Skål International together with Skål International Italy will host a Forum on Sustainable Development in Tourism on 24th February 2007. The Forum will be held in conjunction with BIT Milan in the Sagitarius Room at the Centro Congressi Stella Polare. More... [766 views] Hotel Offers Themed Mini-Bar PackagesIf you thought pillow menus in hotels were over the top, how about customized mini-bars? The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club in Miami's South Beach is offering themed mini-bar packages for $50 each and up. Forget pretzels and tiny bottles of vodka; the hotel is calling this deal "Pimp Your Fridge." You'll actually get that bottle of vodka in the Rock Star mini-bar, which also comes with Krispy Cremes and Red Bull. For the morning after, you get Visine, Alka Seltzer, a chilled eye mask, and Gatorade. You get a pack of cigarettes with that, too, but there's no smoking in the hotel, so you'll have to step outside to light up. More... [1408 views] Hilton Hefei openHilton Hefei, the finest hotel development in the rapidly growing capital of Anhui Province in China,opened its doors to offer corporate travellers and the citizens of Hefei an urban getaway in the heart of the city. More... [753 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 15, 2007Why are Bill Gates and a Saudi Prince buying Four Seasons Hotels now?Hotel lawyer on the future of the hotel industry: Another milestone has been laid. The Board of Directors of Four Seasons Hotels Inc. — a public company — has formally accepted a $3.4 billion ($82 per share) purchase offer surfaced on November 6, 2006 by a group of investors whose principals include Bill Gates, the Prince, and Isadore Sharpe, CEO of Four Seasons. It's a fascinating deal! But what does it really mean? More... [4030 views] Kropp appointed Regional Vice President Dusit Hotels & ResortsGerhard F.H. Kropp has been appointed as President of Philippine Hoteliers, Inc. (PHI), which is the owning company of the Dusit Hotel Nikko Manila, and as Regional Vice President of Dusit Hotels & Resorts. More... [924 views] Free Internet Comes To Upscale HotelsFree Internet access, already a standard across many major U.S. midprice brands, slowly is beginning to creep into upscale properties. So far, only Omni, Radisson and Kimpton have embraced that standard brandwide, but several individual upscale properties also have done so. The most recent convert was the Hilton San Francisco Financial District, which recently completed a $45 million renovation project. At the beginning of the year, the property announced that both its wired and wireless Internet access would no longer carry a charge, a decision based on conversations with hotel guests. More... [1096 views] Shangri-La appoints Brian Windle Vice President Sales and Marketing, North AmericaShangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, has appointed Brian Windle vice president sales and marketing, North America. Mr. Windle will assume this newly created, New York-based position June 1, 2007, reporting directly to Chief Marketing Officer Martin F. Waechter More... [849 views] Mobile Broadband Gets RealAfter years of talk, trials and delays, mobile broadband is becoming a reality, thanks largely to 3G. It has been a long time coming, but mobile wireless broadband is finally moving beyond early adoption, according to the latest report on broadband lines from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC reported that satellite, fixed and wireless broadband lines approached 12 million in June 2006, up from just under a million in June 2005. More... [581 views] Austrian Housekeepers Group goes InternationalHousekeepers from everywhere may participate online and on location without the hassle of a membership. As of January 2007 Austria's Housekeepers are enjoying free access to an internationally organized Association for Hotel Housekeepers. It will operate as ‚Austrian Housekeepers Group‘ and will have its first meeting on April 13, 2007 in Vienna, Austria. More... [1137 views] Leela takes Kempinski alliance to new heightsIndian Luxury Group to invest USD 270 Million to expand Inventory by close to 170% More... [1409 views] Budgeting For Better Hotels In ChinaThe booming domestic and inbound travel scene in China has created an ever increasing demand for hotel accommodation. In particular, the budget hotel sector is growing rapidly, with more brands entering the China market. Andreas Obrist is the General Manager of IHMC. Hailing from Switzerland, he was with the Intercontinental Group for 24 years. He worked in many countries in Europe, Asia, and around the world, prior to joining IHMC two years ago. More... [669 views] Focusing On Greater Hotel Growth In ShanghaiThe hotel sector is booming in China, and Shanghai is seeing many new properties crowd the market. Navigating among the competition is increasingly difficult as staffing becomes more competitive. The Millennium Hongqiao Hotel Shanghai is one of the newest members of the upscale Shanghai hotel market and its General Manager Constance Cheong is prepared to handle this challenge. Cheong has spent ten months with Millennium Hongqiao Shanghai and Millennium Hotels & Resorts. Originally from Singapore, she has a long history working with some of the top international hotel chains in Asia. More... [785 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 14, 2007The Sad Side Of Valentine's Day -- What The Industry Should KnowValentine's Day, as with other holidays, can be stressful to many singles who feel left out. However, the service industry is in a unique position to both address this untapped market and to make people feel good during this season. By Jim Houran and Mark Keith More... [1515 views] Indian Hotel Industry Survey 2005-06The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India is pleased to present the ninth annual edition of the Indian Hotel Industry Survey in cooperation with HVS International and our sponsor ECOTEL®. More... [964 views] Accor Sells 30 Hotel Properties in the United Kingdom for EUR711 Million and Signs a Development Partnership With Land SecuritiesAs part of its asset management strategy, Accor said yesterday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding to sell 30 hotel properties (5,000 Ibis and Novotel rooms) in the United Kingdom to Land Securities for EUR711 million. More... [725 views] Four Seasons Enters Into Agreement To Be Taken Private At Us$82.00 Per Share In CashFour Seasons Hotels Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive acquisition agreement to implement the previously announced proposal to take Four Seasons private at a price of US$82.00 cash per Limited Voting Share. More... [997 views] The Rezidor Hotel Group first hotel company worldwide to offer all guests carbon offsetting possibilitiesIn a unique partnership between the Rezidor Hotel Group and The CarbonNeutral Company, guests are offered the opportunity to offset greenhouse gas emissions from their stay at a Rezidor hotel, including their travel, thus making their entire trip CarbonNe More... [919 views] Vancouver's Renowned Wedgewood Joins Ranks of World's First Carbon Neutral HotelsVancouver, British Columbia's award-winning Wedgewood Hotel and Spa has entered into an agreement with Planktos Inc. to purchase sufficient carbon credits to make the Wedgewood 'Carbon Neutral' and zero out all its CO2 emissions. Each Planktos carbon credit represents one tonne of CO2 that has been removed from the air and sequestered - put away - for a long, long time. Planktos produces these credits by restoring vital ecosystems on land and in the sea. More... [620 views] First Asia Pacific Expo Exclusively for Luxury Travel Industry To Be Held in Shanghai in June 2007Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM), the first event in the Asia Pacific aimed exclusively at the luxury end of the travel industry, is being staged in Shanghai from June 18-21. The new annual event showcases the world’s most exclusive hotels, resorts and operators of luxurious travel experiences – and provides them a forum to meet travel-arrangers for the elite. More... [785 views] Odd-shaped Tokyo hotel to be transferred to new siteA Tokyo hotel known for its unusual architecture, said to resemble the shape of a Christmas tree, is set to be dismantled and transferred to a new location. Workers recently began preparations to dismantle the 26-story Sofitel Tokyo, which overlooks Shinobazu Pond in Tokyo's Ueno district. More... [900 views] Starwood Hotels Announces Plans to Open Multi-Brand Mixed-Use Complex in Houston TexasStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced plans to open three hotels as part of the Memorial City Project, a vibrant mixed-use community in West Houston, Texas. Construction is expected to begin this summer on The Westin(R) Houston, Memorial City and The Sheraton(R) Houston, Memorial City, with the Sheraton scheduled to open in the first half of 2009. More... [701 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 13, 2007As goes the economy, so goes the hospitality industry — the ineluctable elasticity of demand!Hotel Lawyer on hotel fundamentals. One of the things that has fascinated me about the hospitality industry for more than 20 years now, is the close — almost intimate — relationship of industry performance to the U.S. economy’s performance. Some might say this is intuitive, that when the economy does well, all business does well. But that is not always true. More... [1430 views] Moscow's General Managers are overpaid - Myth or Reality?Comparison of compensation packages awarded to hotel General Managers in Key cities in Russia with other international markets. The Russian hotel market has finally appeared on the radar screen of international hotel companies. Local brands are now competing against US, European and Asian rivals in a quest for market share and talent. More... [1336 views] Wild Willy's - A Primer for Restaurant Success: It starts at your door with a warm Smile and Welcome!By name and location, Wild Willy’s is an anomaly. Situated on Route 1 in York, Maine, this dining emporium welcomes travelers on the first leg of the coastal connector to further charming seaside communities; it nestles up to the likes of Lobster Shantys, Whale Watchers, Art Galleries, Antiques and their Maine ilk. What is this Wild Willy’s? A frontier redux, a saloon, a C&W dance hall, and what is it doing in York, or for that matter, Portland, Rochester, NH or Watertown, MA? Let me share my discovery: it is flourishing, cash registers singing, patrons loving the experience, and the owner brimming with glee! By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [777 views] Choice Hotels Cambria Suites Brand Announces Two New Team MembersIn another sign of the growing momentum behind its Cambria Suites brand, Choice Hotels International today announced the hiring of two new members to support the brand’s architecture and interior design efforts. Cambria Suites, an all-suites hotel, boasts a stylish design that is more intimate and less institutional than traditional hotel decor and guestrooms that are 25 percent larger than standard hotel rooms. Joy Walther has been named to the newly-created position of director of architectural design and Brenda Wulff has been named to the new position of director of interior design. More... [650 views] Ascott expands global footprint to Russia with initial fund of US$100 Million and management contract with AmtelFirst Singapore-based international serviced residence company in Russia, targets to secure 1,000 serviced residence units by 2010 Singapore, 7 February 2007 – The Ascott Group (Ascott) has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Amtel Properties Development (Amtel) to jointly set up an initial fund of US$100 million to acquire and develop international-class serviced residences in strategic business districts within Moscow and St Petersburg. Amtel is part of Amtel Group of Companies which has diverse businesses in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); it owns the 4th largest tyre company in Europe and has businesses ranging from petrochemicals trading to real estate. More... [635 views] TIG Global Wins Nine HSMAI Adrian Awards for Website Design and Online MarketingTIG Global also Recently Honored by the Washington Business Journal TIG Global today announced receipt of nine Adrian Awards for Web Marketing from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). More... [663 views] Marco Polo: Think Gong Li On A VespaThink Gong Li on a Vespa. Or Jet Li in an Armani suit. And you have the new positioning that Marco Polo Hotels is aiming for in the new year as it refines its service offering, expands its network in Asia and ramps up its marketing under a new global partnership. Said Mr Jeffrey Flowers, President of the Hong Kong-based hotel group, “Like Marco Polo did a long time ago, we are setting out on a new journey of discovery this year. More... [975 views] Starwood Hotels & Resorts continues expansion in India with signing of Sheraton Bangalore HotelThe new-build hotel will be part of the integrated township development Brigade Gateway. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inccontinues its expansion momentum in India and Asia Pacific by announcing an agreement with the real estate major Brigade Group to manage their Sheraton Bangalore Hotel. The new-build Sheraton Bangalore Hotel is expected to open in April 2009. More... [1079 views] Serving Guangzhou Hospitality In China's Capital CityWith hundreds of thousands of employees, many Chinese state-owned enterprises have opened their own hotels over the years to accomodate their staff when they travel around the nation. In a similar vein, the Guangzhou Municipal Government has helped finance the Guangzhou Hotel in Beijing to be a home away from home for visiting Guangzhou dignitaries to China's capital city. Ma Tao is the General Manager of the Guangzhou Hotel in Beijing. He entered the hospitality industry in 1983 as a food and beverage manager at the Beijing Great Wall Hotel. In order to obtain international hotel management skills, he then went to Hong Kong and received a certificate for hotel management from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Hong Kong. More... [603 views] International visitors to Australia stay longer and spend more survey revealsInternational visitors are staying longer and spending more in Australia according to more than 60 percent of tourism operators who responded to a web poll conducted by the Australian Tourism Export Council. ATEC Managing Director, Matthew Hingerty, said the results were a positive reinforcement of today’s release of the Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures for December 2006, which revealed that 5.5 million overseas visitors came to Australia last year – the highest number on record. More... [729 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 12, 2007World's Most Romantic Hotels 2007Let’s face it: Even the lap of luxury can look lackluster if you can’t stand the company--and a bus terminal can seem romantic if you’re with the one you love. Still, there’s nothing like the perfect room for two to stoke a new romance or revive an old spark. A cozy setting, some peace and quiet, and ample cosseting are tried-and-true ways to burnish a romance. By Elisabeth Eaves More... [1817 views] The art of office e-mail warThey don't call it a "killer app" for nothing. E-mail is corporate culture's favorite new weapon. "Rapidity is the essence of war," Sun Tzu writes in "The Art of War." "Take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots." It's a lesson that could just as well apply to corporate warfare as to the conventional battlefield. And it's one I learned the hard way. It happened while I was a working at a large Internet start-up in the mid-1990s. My boss asked me to write a proposal for a partnership between our company and a major East Coast media firm. It was my chance to shine, perhaps even to earn a promotion. By David Miller More... [1477 views] WOW.TRAVEL's Seven Sensational Hotels for Babieswow.travel (the online magazine of kiwicollection.com ) edited by Mary Gostelow, introduces Seven Sensational Hotels for Babies. More... [1004 views] Mandarin Oriental announces three new management contractsMandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced three new management contracts for luxury hotels to be developed in the primary cities of Paris, Taipei and Guangzhou. All three hotels are planned to open in 2010. “The announcement of three new Mandarin Oriental hotels is an exciting development for our Group and reflects the strength of our brand today. We are moving closer to our goal of building the Group to at least 10,000 rooms worldwide while consolidating our position as one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury hotel brands,” said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. More... [1689 views] Singapore Tourism Exceeds 2006 Targets with S$12.4 Billion Tourism Receipts and 9.7 Million Visitor ArrivalsSingapore's tourism sector generated an estimated S$12.4 billion in tourism receipts (TR) in 2006, exceeding the target of S$12 billion and posting a double digit growth of 14.5% over 2005. This is a new record for TR for the tourism sector. Singapore also set a new high of 9.7 million visitor arrivals (VA) last year, exceeding its target of 9.4 million VA and posting an increase of 9% over 2005. Total visitor days grew 9.0% to reach 32.9 million days in 2006. More... [693 views] New top year for Norwegian hotelsLast year was a new top year for Norwegian hotels with 17.8 million bed-nights, four per cent above the previous year, and the highest ever for hotels in Norway. More... [589 views] Lodging Unlimited Forms Uglyhotels.com to Acquire “Extraordinary Potential” HotelsOfficials of Lodging Unlimited, Inc. (LUI), a national, mid-sized hotel management company, announced that it has created uglyhotels.com, a unique Web site that will serve as the base for acquiring “extraordinary potential” hotels. The company has acquired its first property, the 245-room George Washington Hotel, in Williamsburg, Va. LUI plans to undertake a complete makeover of the property and convert it to an undisclosed upscale brand. More... [587 views] Singapore the next stage in Mövenpick's strategic expansion in AsiaMövenpick Hotels & Resorts is taking another major step in its expansion into Asia. In mid-2006 the Swiss hotel group took over a holiday resort on Phuket/Thailand; now it has just signed a management agreement with Maxz Universal Development Group for a new development on Sentosa Island, Singapore. The resort is scheduled to open at the end of 2008. More... [948 views] Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts announces the launch of the new ‘Pan Pacific Distribution System’Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts launches the new Pan Pacific Distribution System. The system provides the company with an integrated single platform for the distribution of both reservations and customer information and facilitates full rate and inventory integrity across the brand’s distribution channels. More... [649 views] Steigenberger to manage new hotel in the Austrian capital ViennaThe Frankfurt-based hotel group Steigenberger is due to open a four-star superior hotel in the heart of Vienna in late 2008/early 2009. Located in the Old Town district, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof will play host to both business travellers and city tourists. More... [723 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 9, 2007Building a De-Commoditization Strategy in HospitalityIn 2007, over one-third of all hotel bookings will be generated from the Internet in North America. This dramatic channel shift has created unprecedented price transparency and price-driven marketing in hospitality, thus further commoditizing the hotel product. How are hoteliers handling the increased commoditization of the hotel product, especially in the current rate parity and best rate guarantee environment? How can hoteliers de-commoditize their product offerings and provide a unique value proposition to the hotel customer? More... [1445 views] Sons and mothers, and first encountersIt's been a sobering week for Yeoh Siew Hoon - She attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum and she thinks she has crossed the line between experience, and the just-been-around-too-long kind of feeling. More... [957 views] Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Signs Areement with the Westbank and Peterson Group to Manage the 220-room Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto Opening 2011Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts signed an agreement with Vancouver's Westbank and Peterson Group to manage the 220-room five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto opening 2011. The hotel will be Shangri-La's second property in Canada following the debut of the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver in September 2008 by the same development team. More... [695 views] Langham Hotels International strengthens development team for future expansionIn support of the group's aggressive expansion plan, Langham Hotels International (LHI) has appointed two senior executives for its development team to further extend its business ventures worldwide - Harry Littlewood, Director of Development, Stefan Heintze, Director of Development / Special Projects. More... [960 views] Kempinski signs Eighteenth Hotel in ChinaKempinski Hotels has signed a new project in Hohhot, the capital of the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region in China.This agreement with Inner Mongolia ZhongYin Group marks the hotel group’s eighteenth property in China. The Kempinski Hotel Hohhot is scheduled to open in 2008. More... [761 views] Leisure Inn Hotels and Suites - Set for Rapid ExpansionLeisure Inn Hospitality Management Pty Ltd (LIHM), owners of the Leisure Inn Hotels and Suites brand, is pleased to announce the introduction of a major shareholder into the Leisure Inn Group which will further bolster the company’s financial capacity to achieve its growth plans. Leisure Inn Hotels and Suites, Australia’s emerging 3 - 4 star hotel brand, has completed its first capital raising this week following the finalisation of its transaction with a Singaporean based company - A & B Leisure Investments Pte Ltd. More... [1301 views] China's Home Inns' Hotel Chain Grows to 134 HotelsHome Inns & Hotels Management Inc, a leading economy hotel chain in China, today announced that as of December 31st, 2006, Home Inns had a total of 134 hotels in operation in 39 cities, including 94 leased-and-operated hotels and 40 franchised-and-managed hotels. As of the same date, Home Inns had an additional 48 hotels under contract, of which 28 are leased-and-operated hotels and 20 are franchised-and-managed hotels. More... [598 views] UK hotels battle rising costsTRI Hospitality Consulting reports revenue per available room (revPAR) at UK hotels increased by 8% year-on-year to £61.41 in 2006. However, total profit per available room was just 5.8% ahead at £14,809. Rates were up 5.7% at £81.72 and occupancy 1.6 percentage points at 75.1%. ‘If only revPAR is considered it looks as if the hotel industry is booming,’ commented TRI managing director, Jonathan Langston. ‘But business is about profits and our figures show that there are at least some causes of concern.’ More... [532 views] Diamondrock Announces it has Purchased the Westin Boston Waterfront HotelDiamondRock Hospitality Company ("DiamondRock") today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the leasehold interest in the recently built 793-room Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, which is attached to the recently built convention center in downtown Boston, Massachusetts and an option to acquire a leasehold interest in an adjacent site with development rights to build a new hotel with approximately 325 rooms. More... [613 views] Radisson to manage beach resort in FujairahRadisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, the first-class full-service brand of The Rezidor Hotel Group, will operate a 320-room resort in the emirate of Fujairah, its fifth property in the United Arab Emirates. The Radisson Al Aqah Beach Resort is scheduled to open in 2009. The property will have three restaurants, extensive meeting facilities, outdoor swimming pools, a private beach, as well as a spa and health club. More... [607 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 8, 2007Welcome to the 36-Hour DayGet up. Radio is playing. Turn on the television. Log online. Check e-mail. Answer the phone. Text a friend. Join an IM conversation. Overload? Nope. It's the start of a 'normal' day in the year 2007. One hundred million US adult Internet users watched TV while they were online last year — more than two-thirds of the total US adult Internet population. More... [1011 views] Jumeirah announces new global spa brand 'Talise'Jumeirah Group, the dynamic and rapidly growing luxury hospitality group and member of Dubai Holding, has revealed ‘Talise’ - a pioneering spa concept set to revolutionise the industry. Talise will be available in selected Jumeirah hotels and resorts with the first spa now open at Madinat Jumeirah – The Arabian Resort, Dubai. More... [990 views] UK Chain Hotels Market Review – December 2006The profitability of chain hotels in the UK increased at almost half the rate of sales during 2006, according to full-year figures from TRI Hospitality Consulting’s monthly HotStats survey. Total profit per available room increased by 5.8 per cent to £14,809 in the 12 months but room revenue per available room was up 8.0 per cent to £61.41, almost twice as much. More... [568 views] Latest MasterIndex of Travel Forecasts Slowdown in Growth of Outbound Travel Across Asia Pacific in 1H 2007MasterCard Worldwide has announced the results of its latest MasterIndex of Travel report, predicting a slowdown in growth of outbound travel across the Asia Pacific region in the first half of 2007. While markets across Asia Pacific continue to see growth in outbound travel, with China (12%), Malaysia (7.8%) and Thailand (7.2%) experiencing the highest year-on-year growth, the rate of growth across most markets in Asia Pacific have dropped compared to the previous survey. More... [538 views] Foreign investors drive €22 billion European hotel deal frenzyHotel investment levels in Europe reached €21.6 billion in 2006 exceeding all expectations; 37.9% up on 2005 and more than doubling the deal volume of 2004. Despite this steep increase, the number of rooms which changed ownership grew at a slower pace, reflecting a significant growth in average price per room across Europe, says a report by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. More... [613 views] Best Western International Promotes Renee Ryan to Vice President of MarketingBest Western International today announced that Renee Ryan has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Marketing. In her new position, Ryan will direct the execution and delivery of brand marketing strategies, including Gold Crown Club International (GCCI) and the Best Western Travel Card, while continuing to oversee Field Marketing and Consumer Marketing programs and initiatives. More... [585 views] Solare Hotels & Resorts secures top Australian hotelier to head Japan National OperationsAs part of the Solare Hotels & Resorts Co. Ltd ambitious push to achieve 18,000 rooms in Japan by 2010, Solare has appointed a senior hotel professional from Australia, Mark Lind, to head its Japan operations as Senior Vice President, National Director of Operations. More... [661 views] IHG appoints James P. Manley Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Americas RegionIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, has named James P. Manley, vice president, Talent Acquisition, Americas region. Based in Atlanta and reporting to Kate Stillman, senior vice president, Americas Human Resources and Talent Development & Learning, IHG, Manley is responsible for establishing and maintaining strategic talent acquisition strategies to source, attract and select management personnel needed to direct and operate all brands of IHG’s hotel operations and corporate staff in the Americas region. More... [833 views] Industry Notables to Address Delegates at ASTA IDE-AsiaSome of the travel industry’s most sought-after leaders will be speaking at ASTA’s upcoming International Destination Expo-Asia in Jeju, Republic of Korea (March 25-29,2007), imparting their years of industry experience and bringing their unique perspective to bear on such subjects as travel trends and technology issues facing the industry. More... [518 views] Can Turkey live up to its “big” tourism potential?Turkey’s revenues from the tourism sector decreased by 7.2 percent to $16.85 billion in 2006 over the previous year. Revenues from foreign visitors dropped by 9.9 percent to about $12.55 billion, while revenues from domestic tourists rose by 1.7 percent and reached $4.3 billion dollars, according to news agency Anatolia quoting the data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute. More... [803 views] Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels appoints Vice President for CEE regionJones Lang LaSalle Hotels has appointed Sasha Golubovic as Vice President Investment/Advisory for Central and Eastern Europe. Sasha joins from the Italian hotel chain Domina Hotels & Resorts, where he was development manager for the CEE region. More... [671 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 7, 2007Global Staff Movements - Who is In and Who is OutThe latest update on international executive staff movements. Check it out.... More... [3332 views] Mastering The Lost Art of Check-InWith all of the advances in property management systems and other front desk technology, from a service-efficiency perspective the check-in process at most of today’s hotels is running smoother than ever. Newer systems make it easer and faster then ever before for a front office associate to find an available room; credit card approval happens almost instantaneously, and I can’t remember the last time my reservation was lost or misfiled. Yet as much technical skills and front office systems have improved, the check-in process itself has de-evolved into a scripted, robotic and heartless business transaction at most hotels these days. By Doug Kennedy More... [1807 views] Luxury hotels aim to make 'over the top' part of the packageProperties such as the Ritz cater to the rich with personal services including fireworks and 24-hour car-sitting. The good times are rolling for guests at luxury hotels, and this time it's personal. Flush with sky-high executive pay and bonuses, plus double-digit returns in the stock market, the super-rich are looking to elite lodgings to satisfy their cravings for pampering and unique experiences. Hoteliers, eager for their business, happily comply.The result? More... [1051 views] RevPAR, GopPAR, ProfPAR - Break Even Point and Price Elasticity: How Valuable are these Performance Indicators and is it Worthwhile to Calculate Them?Until the late 1980’s General Mangers were measuring their sales efforts mainly by two variables, occupancy and average rate. With the emergence of yield management techniques in the early 90’s measuring sales effectiveness changed as owners, developers and investors became more interested in revenue per “available” rooms (RevPAR) and not in revenue per sold rooms. By Dietmar Kielnhofer More... [3726 views] European hotel rates soarSoaring hotel rates continue to strain European corporate travel budgets, the latest survey by HRG shows. Companies faced double digit rises last year in many cities. Moscow remained the most expensive destination, with average rates increasing by 25% to £221.75 if calculated in sterling and by 21% in roubles. More... [613 views] E-mail: pause before you sendWriting e-mail feels like chatting, but much is at stake. Pause before you send, because you risk offending, irritating or insulting your customers or colleagues. You may even break the law. Communication by e-mail is so quick and easy that people become careless. The trend is to be far less formal, which is friendly but risky More... [1361 views] Fiji In 2007 - Where To From Here?2006 was a difficult year for Fiji's tourism industry as a result of re-emerging political unrest. Yet with several new large-scale resorts under construction, the future success of Fiji is dependent on continuous growth in tourism visitation. By Sophie Cottom More... [633 views] What Works, and What Doesn't, in Online MarketingWhat is the word from the trenches? In an end-of-the-year survey, online marketers were asked what marketing tactics worked for them in 2006 and what they expected to concentrate their time and spending on in the months ahead. Here is what the online marketers said...... More... [1388 views] SLH sales increase 25%Revenues at Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which represents 400 properties worldwide, rose by 25% year-on-year to $90m in 2006. Total reservations were up 16%, while average daily rate increased by nearly 10% to $339 and revenue per available room by 15%. More... [645 views] Jumeirah expands presence in The Americas with new luxury resort in BermudaJumeirah, the fast growing Dubai-based luxury hotel group and member of Dubai Holding, has been appointed to manage the first new luxury resort to be built in Bermuda in 35 years, pending approval by government agencies.With contemporary, innovative design and the highest levels of amenities, the Jumeirah Southlands Resort will dramatically raise global awareness of Jumeirah as it brings a new standard of luxury resort experience to one of the most enduringly popular vacation destinations in the Americas. More... [563 views] Depa Hotels Awards to Grow Participation by 20%Awards Gala set for May 2nd; new voting process to make event more interactive . With the extraordinary growth witnessed by the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector over the past five years, the number of four and five star hotels have mushroomed, paving the way for an increase in pressure on property and service standards. According to recently released figures from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai alone will add the largest annual room inventory ever to the hotel sector in 2007, where 8,370 hotel rooms and 1,936 hotel apartments will be added this year More... [486 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 6, 2007Stars & Diamonds…Do They Really Matter Any More? They Seem to Have Lost Their LusterIn the years before the Internet, it was financially impossible for many hotels to create an identity in the eyes of the public at large. Most hotels had to rely upon AAA and Mobile to define their quality and establish their public image. Consumers relied upon these rankings to short-cut the hotel evaluation process; the alternative was to phone hotels to ask a dozen questions, a real chore. By Neil Salerno More... [1162 views] Notable quotables from hotel industry thought leaders 2007Hotel Lawyer on what the top names in the industry are saying now: In my recent blog entries, we have looked at how every hospitality company could be in play — from InterContinental Hotels to Marriott, Hilton and Starwood, the most interesting features of 2006, explored financing hotel projects in 2007, and talked about the explosion of international hotel investment — particularly in places like Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, China, India, and Europe. More... [1024 views] Sales – the Weakest Link ?The last time I stood in front of my Master Students, just a few days ago at the beginning of this new 2007 semester, we discussed hotel rates in Thailand. My question was : Are Bangkok's hotel rates a dream or a nightmare ? In no time we had a discussion raging between some of the students that work in hotels and others that work with in-bound travel agencies and, to be expected, the hospitality students thought the rates were too low and the tourism students thought they are too high ……By Bert van Walbeek More... [1096 views] Singapore Hotel Investment Market Sets New Record in 2006The Singapore hotel investment market set a new record in 2006 with seven hotel-related transactions in excess of Sin$1.5 billion. In addition, five sites, including the commercial/hotel Collyer Quay site, were sold for more than Sin$470 million under the Government Land Sales Program last year. More... [662 views] 2006: A record year for UK HotelsAs the clock struck twelve on 31 December 2006, UK hoteliers should have been cracking open the champagne as they took stock of a very successful year, say PKF hotel consultancy services. December’s preliminary data confirmed that 2006 was a record year with UK hotels achieving their highest rooms yield growth rate for a decade. More... [537 views] Josef Kufer to lead the Africa Region of Mövenpick Hotels & ResortsThe German national Josef Kufer is promoted to the position of Senior Vice President Africa as of 12 February 2007 and becomes a member of the Executive Committee of the Swiss international hotel group. In this position he replaces Bernard Granier, who will continue to act as a consultant to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. More... [706 views] Accor proud to be part of Dubai’s rising successAs part of his visit to the Middle East, the CEO of the French hotel and services group ACCOR, Mr. Gilles Pelisson made a day’s stopover in Dubai along with the Accor Group President and Co-Founder Mr. Gerard Pelisson on Monday 29th January 2007. More... [679 views] IHG's latest Crowne Plaza signing brings total Greater China portfolio to 125 hotelsInterContinental Hotels Group announced today the signing of the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing, scheduled to open in early 2008. This announcement highlights the pace of IHG’s growth in Greater China, where it now has a total portfolio of 125 hotels – 65 in operation and an additional 60 in the development pipeline. More... [723 views] Kingdom Hotel Investments Announces Luxury Raffles Resort Development in VietnamKingdom Hotel Investments ("KHI"), the leading hotel and resort investment company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a prime beach site for the development of a luxury resort and residences for sale in Da Nang, Vietnam. The resort will be built for approximately US$ 65 million. This will be KHI's first hotel in Vietnam and marks an important milestone in the company's continued expansion in Asia. More... [795 views] ITE MICE & ITE 2007 - The 21st International Travel Expo Hong Kong World wide exhibitors in one-stop event to cover Asia and mainland ChinaWith over 600 exhibitors from 55 countries & regions and nearly 60% of its 45 official pavilions came from countries outside Asia, last year, ITE & ITE MICE attracted over 10000 trade visitors in its two trade days. Among them, respectively around 22% and 15% were from mainland China and abroad, and the rest from Hong Kong. Around 55% of the trade visitors were travel agents or operators, while corporate buyers and visitors accounted for 17.5%.The next ITE will be held from June 14 to 17 while ITE MICE from June 14 to 16, 2007 at halls 1A, B, C and halls 2A & B at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, which is located in the city centre. The first two days are for trade only while the remaining days open to public. More... [498 views] Jumeirah expands presence in the Americas with new luxury resort in BermudaJumeirah, the fast growing Dubai-based luxury hotel group and member of Dubai Holding, has been appointed to manage the first new luxury resort to be built in Bermuda in 35 years, pending approval by government agencies. With contemporary, innovative design and the highest levels of amenities, the Jumeirah Southlands Resort will dramatically raise global awareness of Jumeirah as it brings a new standard of luxury resort experience to one of the most enduringly popular vacation destinations in the Americas. More... [699 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 5, 2007Hilton Announces Executive Management ChangesHilton Hotels Corporation announced the several appointments and executive management changes. Thomas L. Keltner assumes the title of Executive Vice President, Hilton Hotels Corporation and Chief Executive Officer - Americas and Global Brands....... More... [1367 views] It’s 2007. Do You Know Where Your Hotel Sales People Are?This past year proved to be another exceptional year in the hotel industry. The strong domestic economy coupled with record numbers of foreign travelers into the US, have impacted both the business and leisure segments, and all success indicators (occupancy, average rate, and RevPAR) are at record numbers in most urban markets. By Brenda Fields More... [1407 views] Money And Employee MotivationThe most effective motivator for employees is a monetary incentive used with non-financial reinforcements. We review nuances of incentives and make basic recommendations that can form the basis of best practice compensation and incentive policies. By Jim Houran More... [1593 views] Breakfast with strangers, sausages includedYeoh Siew Hoon experiences the true spirit of travel – where you book as you go, you surf as you drive and you get to even enjoy making small talk with strangers. More... [711 views] Another Record Year for World TourismWith 842 million arrivals and a 4.5% growth rate, 2006 exceeded expectations as the tourism sector continued to enjoy above average results, making it a new record year for the industry. The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer figures suggest that 2007 will consolidate this performance and turn into the fourth year of sustained growth. More... [779 views] Vietnam: Hotel market to see strong development: CBREThe demand for hotel rooms will be increasingly high from now to 2020, while supplies will be short, according to CB Richard Ellis, a real estate consultancy and management company. There are only some 5,000 3-5 star hotels rooms, and 6,300 1-2 star rooms. Meanwhile, according to CBRE. Vietnam will need 11,100 3-5 star hotel rooms and 20,000 1-2 star hotel rooms by 2020. More... [767 views] Marriott to Drop Trans Fats at HotelsMarriott International Inc. said Thursday it will eliminate trans fats from the cooking oil used by its restaurants at more than 2,300 hotels in the United States and Canada. The world's largest hotel company by revenue said it will no longer use partially hydrogenated oils across all its brands, which include Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn. Marriott has already cut the oils from breads, salad dressings, cookies, muffins and other pastries. More... [624 views] InterContinental Hotels & Resorts continues aggressive growth with new hotel in MoscowInterContinental Hotels Group announced today the signing of the InterContinental Moscow, scheduled to open in 2010. The announcement of the InterContinental Moscow immediately follows the January 10th opening of the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, Calif., and the simultaneous November launch of two of the brand’s flagship hotels – InterContinental London Park Lane and the InterContinental Boston. More... [684 views] Vienna International Hotels Plans ExpansionAustrian hotel group Vienna International (VI) plans to open 11 hotels in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Croatia and Germany by the end of 2008 and is also examining the option of entering the Italian market and buying a second hotel in France, VI CEO Rudolf Tucek said on January 30, 2007. More... [718 views] Sandra McMoreland new Delivering Group Chairperson - will lead the organization through a dynamic period of growthGlobal hospitality sales and marketing consortium - The Delivering Group – has installed London-based Director Sandra McMoreland as its new Chairperson as the organisation prepares for further international expansion. More... [537 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 2, 2007How To Restore Your Lost PassionThe German poet Hebbel wrote that “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” Those are inspiring words when you’re already inspired, but what do you do when your enthusiasm has dried up? There are four things that help me restore my passion when it’s on the wane.... By Mark Hamister, CEO, The Hamister Group, Inc. More... [1870 views] Size no longer matters . . . at least in the hotel industry.Is the entire hotel industry now in play? What the experts have to say Hotel lawyer on private equity investments in the hotel industry. In my most recent article, I talked about two deals that could profoundly affect the very makeup and direction of the hotel industry. Of course, these two transactions are the leveraged buyouts of Equity Office Properties (EOP) and CNL Hotels & Resorts (CHL). By Jim Butler, Hotel Lawyer
More... [961 views] Starwood reports strong fourth quarter and full year 2006 resultsStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today reported strong fourth quarter 2006 financial results, driven by doubledigit worldwide REVPAR increases and higher operating margins. Company Signs Record 156 New Hotel Contracts in 2006 As Starwood Brands Achieve #1 Position in Upper-Upscale and Luxury Development More... [685 views] Hotel Real Estate Boom Will Continue in 2007 and into 2008, Reports Jones Lang LaSalle HotelsCompany Issues its 2007 Hotel Investment Outlook Report. In a report released, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels anticipates that the robust environment of hotel real estate mega-deals is poised to continue throughout 2007 and into 2008. The lodging transaction market continues to boom in the U.S., with 2006 marking the third consecutive year of record sales. More... [578 views] International hotels head to IstanbulThe 10 million tourists expected to come to Istanbul during the next 10 years has caused hotel companies from Europe to the Far East to jump into the city's market. Istanbul's recent progress in tourism and its untapped potential has wet the appetite of some of the world's leading hotel chains. While current hotel groups are pleased with their performance in Istanbul, they are looking for additional places to open more hotels. Nearly 10 international hotel chains will open hotels in Istanbul in 2007. More... [842 views] Peninsula hotel owner looks to Europe -Operator of luxury chain says it may move into London and ParisHongkong & Shanghai Hotels, which operates the luxury Peninsula chain, said it may expand into European cities such as London and Paris. ''We're looking for good investments throughout the world,'' general manager of corporate finance, Eymon Tsang, said at a conference in Shanghai Tuesday. ''We'd like to enter developed countries where people can afford to pay high room rates.'' More... [807 views] Corporate Hospitality set to soar for London 2012 OlympicsSenior business people polled across the UK are already planning their corporate hospitality for London 2012 Olympics, with 354,000 planning to attend. Over 50% of businesses in London say they will attend (75,000 businesses) and 25% outside of London (279,000 businesses), according to Continental Research. More... [665 views] Starwood Hotels Brings a New Twist in Travel to BeijingStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(R) and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloft(SM) hotels, today announced it has signed an agreement with Beijing Yongtai Hotel Management Co., Ltd to develop an aloft hotel in the capital city of China, Beijing. The 200-room hotel will offer visitors a refreshing alternative to current lodging options when it opens in 2009. More... [648 views] Glanzmann appointed General Manager Radisson SAS Resort, Sharm El-SheikhRadisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, the first-class full-service brand of The Rezidor Hotel Group, has appointed Armin Glanzmann as General Manager of its resort property in Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt. He will also head up the adjoining all-inclusive Golden Resort managed by Rezidor. More... [688 views] Delta Hotels proceeds in appointments in corporate officePlenty appointments have been taken place in Delta Hotels & Resorts` corporate office. In particular, Dana Ceponis returns to Delta’s marketing department as executive director of marketing, handling all aspects of marketing communciations and brand development. More... [1401 views] Readers of Condé Nast Traveler give thumbs up to Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Asia PacificStarwood hotels in Bangkok, Saigon, Beijing, Shanghai, Sydney and Melbourne voted to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Annual Gold List 2006 More... [708 views] Berggruen Hotels launches "Keys" - a chain of boutique budget hotels in IndiaBerggruen Hotels, a new hotel venture backed by Berggruen Holdings Inc, will launch their new brand of boutique budget hotels, “Keys” in India. With an equity capital of US $ 100 million, Berggruen Hotels will build a minimum of thirty-eight hotels in the next five years in India. 24 sites are in active negotiation, and the launch of the first hotel is scheduled for June 2008. More... [1473 views] Four Points by Sheraton and Shanghai get ready to welcome Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, DaningFour Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning will be the seventh Starwood property in the metropolitan city of Shanghai when it opens in March 2007 More... [535 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 1, 2007Some Reflections on Condominium Hotel DevelopmentThis article discusses how the addition of residential, fractional or condominium units can make a large difference in the successful development of resort assets. By Elaine Sahlins, HVS International More... [962 views] The next frontier for the Spa industry - Health CareYou do not need to be seer to see this next stage in the expansion for the Spa Industry. We have witnessed the evolution, originally for the indulgent, now for everyone. Health, attention, presentation, esteem, and, yes, still some indulgence – holistic, if you will. No longer that elite and remote location, Spas have partnered with or been created by hotels and resorts, providing new revenue streams and marketing advantages for Lodging operations. The next transformation is so obvious – Health Care Centers and Hospitals. By J. Ragsdale Hendrie More... [1086 views] E-mail, the new corporate cancerE-mail usage is cultural. E-mail practices are contagious. And most businesses are in a downward e-mail productivity spiral with no idea about the potential impact to their productivity and profits. It has become a hidden cancer. More... [2435 views] Hotel Pennsylvania Named 2006 eMarketer of the Year by TravelCLICK and HSMAINew York City Landmark Hotel Recognized at 50th Annual Adrian Awards Gala. In front of an audience of global hotel executives and hospitality industry leaders, New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania was named the 2006 eMarketer of the Year by TravelCLICK and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) last night at the 50th Annual Adrian Awards Gala, held at the New York Marriott Marquis. More... [521 views] Hilton Reports Strong Fourth Quarter, Fiscal 2006 ResultsHilton Hotels Corporation today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Fourth quarter highlights compared to fourth quarter 2005 are as follows: -- Diluted EPS of $.50 vs. $.26 in 2005, an increase of 92%. -- Total company Adjusted EBITDA of $485 million, up 78%. More... [535 views] The case of Germany - outbound and inbound travel trends - World Travel Trends Report 2006/07'Although the FIFA World Cup can be partially blamed for the stay-at-home trend among Germans so far last year, the 2% decline in outbound trip volume over the first eight months of 2006 was nonetheless disappointing,' said Rolf Freitag, President of IPK International. 'It was also a bit surprising,' Freitag added. More... [700 views] LaSalle Hotel Properties Provides 2007 OutlookRevPAR Expected to Increase 7.5% to 8.5%. More... [625 views] Berggruen plans budget hotels in IndiaBerggruen Hotels, a venture backed by US investment firm Berggruen Holdings Inc, will invest $100 million to set up a chain of boutique budget hotels in India called Keys, it said on Monday. More... [730 views] Choice Hotels announces departure of Joe SqueriChoice Hotels International announced that Joseph M. Squeri, president and chief operating officer, is leaving the company and will pursue other professional opportunities. Since joining the company in 1997 as vice president, finance and controller, Mr. Squeri has served in a number of positions of increasing scope and responsibility, including treasurer, chief financial officer, and executive vice president of operations. More... [550 views] The Oriental, Bangkok’s Award-Winning Spa unveils Authentic Ayurvedic PenthouseThe Oriental, Bangkok has unveiled its newest wellness facility, The Oriental Ayurvedic Penthouse. A holistic centre of tranquility, located above The Oriental Spa, The Oriental Ayurvedic Penthouse is the first of its kind in Bangkok, and offers the most exclusive selection of healing and natural rituals in the city. All of the facility’s serene treatment rooms provide an ideal setting for a truly authentic holistic experience. More... [858 views] 
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: February 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: March 1, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 28, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 27, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 26, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 23, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 22, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 21, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 20, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 19, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 16, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 15, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 14, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 13, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 12, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 9, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 8, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 7, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 6, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 5, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 2, 2007Global Hospitality Newsletter: February 1, 2007
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